WORK on the A3 tunnel at Hindhead is one step nearer after the Highways Agency moved to buy the land it needs to start. The agency has issued compulsory purchase orders on a range of land, as well as submitting plans for the new road. This includes listing the route for the new A3, identifying any new slip roads to be built, explaining what will happen to the old sections of the A3 and the planned diversions and new routes of the road, including bridleways and footpaths. The agency has also submitted the land it will be taking for the scheme and, where necessary, the land it will be returning for public use to replace the land it has taken. The agency claims this replacement land has been deemed a suitable replacement for the land it is taking. A spokesman for the Highways Agency said: "Over the last three weeks we have carried out a process of making and publishing the legal orders required to construct the scheme. "These orders were the ones published in draft and as amended in line with the inspector's recommendations and secretary of state's decision. "The main orders and Compulsory Purchase Orders are open for challenge on procedural grounds only for six weeks, expiring on December 29, 2006. "We would then be able to issue what are called Notices to Treat and Enter and so take entry onto land as and when we need it. "We plan to start some site clearance work in January, with work at the north end starting in the spring. "We will have more information in the new year, when we will publish a newsletter, and hold an exhibition on January 19 and 20."
